Bravo. I read your report as more proof of my own growing understanding of how we allies in matters of social justice should view ourselves. Basically we truly need to recognize that is only people who have directly experienced disenfranchisement who, by way of enduring cultural trauma, have acquired the necessary insights that we should expect of leadership. The fight to reverse the effects of overt and systemic racism (and also systemic misogyny) cannot be lead by those of us within the respective classes of privilege, regardless of to what degree we think we are self-aware of our privilege. We can be supportive — in other words trusting of those with actual experiences — but we cannot be leaders. To assume otherwise might appear to be well intentioned, but most often this actually is just another example of denial.

Like what you read? Give Michael Tomb a round of applause.

From a quick cheer to a standing ovation, clap to show how much you enjoyed this story.